The Chief Executive of Macau, Ho Iat Seng, is this week leading a powerhouse delegation of government officials and senior concessionaire representatives – including the heads of Melco Resorts, MGM China, Sands China and SJM – across Europe in a bid to promote Macau’s international tourism appeal to the world.
Along with the Secretary for Economy and Finance plus members of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM) and Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) the group began with a trip to Lisbon, Portugal where they have met with local tourism officials and carried out a variety of promotional activities.
The six concessionaires are represented by Galaxy Entertainment Group director Philip Cheng Yee Sing, Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho, MGM China Co-Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho, Sands China President Dr Wilfred Wong, SJM Holdings Chairman and Executive Director Daisy Ho, and Wynn Macau Ltd Vice Chairman and Executive Director Linda Chen.
Speaking with local media, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes noted that Macau still had some way to go in its bid to increase international visitation and reduce its reliance on greater China.
“The number of international visitors to Macau is still relatively low, with an average of only about 1,600 international visitors per day in February, rising to around 2,000 in March,” she said, adding, “The number of international visitors that can be restored this year will depend on the flight schedule.”
According to MGTO figures, the number of international visitors to Macau in 2019 was 3.1 million at a daily average of around 8,600. In addition, figures from the Gaming Coordination and Inspection Bureau (DICJ) show that just 3.6% of GGR was generated from foreign players in 2019 – a contribution the government is keen to significantly increase.
As part of its Portuguese adventure, the MGTO is presenting a video-mapping show at the Square of Commerce in Lisbon highlighting Macau attractions through light artistry, while the concessionaires haveset up thematic exhibition areas with non-gaming elements at the Plaza de Comercio.
The delegation will conclude its trip to Portugal on 22 April before travelling to Luxembourg and onto Brussels, Belgium, meeting with local officials along the way before concluding on 27 April.
